‘’Given the anticipated weakness in the global economy over the next two years, consideration should be given to providing fiscal stimulus that goes beyond the measures already announced,’’ the IMF said in a report.

Since last October, the IMF has urged governments to inject public money into their economies to stimulate growth as a weapon against a global slowdown that appears increasingly likely to endure for a while.

‘’It is essential in our view that public sector authorities play their appropriate role in preventing a collapse of confidence in the private sector that might lead to a vicious downward spiral,’’ the Washington-based institution said.